A couple of birthday parties later...

and at least one more to come with Daddy when we get back to Texas. We had a cake and presents with Aunt Kellie (with the red hair) and Uncle Kicky, Hayden, Grandma and Aunt Megan on Jaden's actual birthday - July 3. Mommy, Anna, and Aunt Megan took Jaden out to lunch to a really cool place that had big race cars and motorcycles hanging from the ceiling. Anna and Aunt Megan played a race car driver video game - that was kinda scary even to watch! Afterwards, we took Jaden to see his first movie - Kung Fu Panda. It was pretty funny. Mommy really enjoyed it.

Then, we had a birthday party on Saturday in the backyard just like Mommy did when she was little. Here are some pictures from our celebrations...

The rocket ship (Star Squad) and "little" Buzz from Grandma

Aunt Megan turned 18 on June 27th. She was away at the National Youth Leadership Conference in Philadelphia so we had a cake for her too!

Look at that smile! He got a "Big" Buzz from Anna. This one has a real laser and voice commands! He disappeared into the front room to play with his new toy all by himself.

Hayden :)

A terrific two year old

One year ago... Two years ago...
You've come a long way baby!

You are a two-year-old through and through! Everything you do you do with gusto! It seems like your energy will never run out. You have the most genuine and heart warming smile. And when you cry and great big tears drop from those sweet brown eyes you break our hearts.

You are definitely "rough and tumble" but you are also so sweet and gentle. We love you more than words can say. God was so kind to send you to us. We are thankful that he gave you the strength you needed to grow and get stronger even though you were born before you were ready. We can see this strength in you everyday and we know that it will carry you through whatever lies ahead. God bless you, Sweetheart!

Jaden's backyard birthday party